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School of Business and Economics

The Laurier School of Business & Economics is one of Canada's
leading business schools. With more than 4,500 students enrolled in
full-time, part-time, graduate, undergraduate and diploma
programs, it is also one of the largest. The School has more than 108
full-time and 65 part-time faculty. Laurier is noted for its innovative
programs and commitment to teaching excellence.

"Co-operative education," a form of work-integrated learning, is a model of education that integrates and alternates a student's academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to the student's academic and personal goals.

Both work and academic terms are full-time and follow a formalized sequence. The time spent in the workplace comprises at least 30% of the time spent in academic study. Co-op work terms are approximately the length of each study term. Students are exposed to the work environment during more than one season of the year and their co-op programs begin and end on an academic term.

Co-op students follow the same academic program as regular students. Because of the alternating pattern of work and study terms, there may be some differences in the scheduling of individual courses.

Students prepare for the job search by attending workshops and individual counselling sessions.

Each work term is developed in collaboration with the employer and approved by the Department of Co-operative Education as a suitable learning environment that will engage the student in productive work. Students apply to employers with whom they are interested in working. Employers are encouraged to interview on campus. Although employment cannot be guaranteed, every effort is made to ensure that suitable employment is available for students admitted to the option.

The student's performance in the workplace is supervised and evaluated by the student's employer. Co-op staff members monitor each student's progress during the work term. The co-op curriculum supports student learning goals, personal evaluation and reflection; students are required to set goals each term and write work term reports. Students are compensated by their employer for work performed.

Co-op fees are payable according to the fee payment schedule on the co-op web site.

To obtain the co-op designation, students must complete all the requirements of both their academic program and the co-op option. Students completing the option will have the notation "Co-operative Option" appended to their transcript and noted on their degree. No academic credit is given for participation in coop.

Application ProcedureStudents on study permits may apply to and be admitted into coop programs at Laurier, in accordance with the application processes to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. Note, however, that there may be a limit on the number of spaces available to international students.